How to Choose a Foundation Repair Company

For many homeowners, the mere mention of the words “foundation problem” conjure up fearful thoughts or costly repairs and worse – fly-by-night charlatans who lack the skills, knowledge, and integrity to do the job right at a fair price. These thoughts are often the result of nightmare stories told to them by someone who has had the misfortune to do business with a disreputable foundation repair company in the past. So, how do you ensure that the foundation repair company you hire won’t’ leave you with a depleted bank account and ongoing foundation problems? Here are some basic things every homeowner should do when choosing a foundation repair company.

Online ReviewsStart by asking for referrals from people you know and trust, like friends, family members and co-workers checking out the company’s references. If you don’t have any success there, a quick Google search will likely turn up dozens of options to choose from. In addition to customer testimonials on the company’s website, be sure to check out their online reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, Good Contractors and others.

Check Referrals Before contracting with a foundation repair company you should also ask them to for a list of customers who have recently used their services. Any reputable company will be happy to provide you with a referral list. Be sure to actually contact these customers and ask them very specific questions about their experience with the company.

Licenses and Insurance Make sure the company you’re considering hiring to repair your foundation is licensed and insured. When it comes to licenses and insurance, don’t just take the contractor’s word for it. You should also verify the information with the appropriate state and local agencies.

Shop Around It’s a good idea to get written quotes from at least two contractors before making a final decision. Although you shouldn’t put off having foundation problems repaired, you also shouldn’t let yourself be pressured into committing to work with a foundation repair contractor who you haven’t fully vetted. High-pressure tactics to get you to sign a contract before you’re ready are an indication that the foundation repair company you’re considering hiring isn’t a wise choice.

Check the Warranty Find out if the foundation repair company warranties their work. Any foundation worth its salt will stand behind their work and will provide you with a written warranty. Remember, not all foundation repair warranties are the same. So be sure you read the fine print and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of the warranty. And don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you don’t fully understand.

Time in Business Finally, you should take into consideration how long the company has been in business. Although longevity isn’t a guarantee of quality, companies that don’t provide quality services don’t tend to stay in business long.

Following these simple tips will help ensure that the foundation repair company you choose has the knowledge, training and experience needed to ensure the repair will be done correctly and at a fair price.